KARACHI: There is increased incidence of head and neck cancer in this part of the world, the second most common cancer of the entire body, said Dr Mubasher Ikram, Head, section of ENT-Head and Neck Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) while giving a presentation on ‘Common Nasal Diseases’.

Dr Ikram said that head and neck cancers were commonly seen in patients who were in the habit of consuming paan, tobacco, chalia, betel, slake lime, naswar, alcohol and other such products.

Early diagnosis of head and neck cancer is the key point as the outcome of the patient is far better if diagnosed earlier than in advanced stages.

He said treatment mainly comprised surgery, which can be combined with radiation, if necessary.

Dr Ikram suggested regular follow-ups in the management of head and neck cancer, and placed special emphasis on creating awareness of tobacco hazards.

Dr Ikram was one of the three speakers at the Signs, Symptoms and Care program organised by the University Hospital.

Dr Mohammad Sohail Awan, Assistant Professor, and Dr Anwar Suhail, Assistant Professor, AKUH Consultants ENT-Head and Neck Surgeons also addressed the gathering.

Dr Ikram informed the participants that most cases of sinusitis were indirectly caused by viral infections, such as the common cold and that the inflammation of the sinuses tends to clear up within about the same period it takes to get over a cold, ie about two weeks.

Many cases of sinusitis are related to allergic reactions to dust, moulds, pollens and certain foods.

He advised to avoid airborne pollutants including cigarette smoke increase inflammation of the sinuses.

He added that alcohol also caused sinuses to swell. Chlorine added to swimming pools can also greatly irritate the nasal passage and sinuses.

He said that endoscopic examination techniques and CT scan of international standards were available at AKU.

He further stated that with the latest developments in technique and modern equipment and expertise available at AKUH, FESS (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery) is being performed, which promises a marked reduction in the recurrence of sinusitis.

Underscoring the viability of a cochlear implant, Dr Mohammad Sohail Awan said that cochlear implant is a very significant advancement in the medical history to help those who have severe to profound hearing loss and do not receive any benefit from hearing aids. Cochlear implant systems convert everyday sounds into coded electrical impulses. He said these electrical pulses stimulate the hearing nerve, and the brain interprets them as sound.